“In his fourth year now, I think there’s more depth there, I think it’s going to help them become more dominant up front because I think (new offensive coordinator Doug) Nussmeier comes in at the right time,” Herbstreit said on a conference call today. “They’re going to try to run the football downhill. I think the backs are more experienced and, consequently, I think it’s going to take a lot of pressure off Devin Gardner.

“I think Devin Funchess is going to be his go-to guy. They’ll put him in a position to make some plays one on one and the defensive secondary will have to pay a lot of attention to him, which will create a lot of running lanes.”

“Getting Doug Nussmeier over as the offensive coordinator will help them,” Hebrstreit said. “It was really painful to watch their offense last year. I don’t know in my lifetime if I’ve ever been able to see a Michigan offense not be able to run the football. While most of the attention seemed to fall on Devin Gardner, watching that team week in and week out, I was mystified by the offensive line play and the lack of difference makers at the tailback position.

“For my entire life Michigan’s played great defense and have a dominant offensive line and they’ve been able to run the football.”

Rich Rodriguez “changed the (offensive) DNA” and it has taken time for Hoke to “get it back to more of a pro-style offense.”

“For Michigan to get back to the Bo Schembechler, Lloyd Carr type of Michigan, to me it’s about getting their defense to being a physical, athletic defense,” Herbstreit said. “Time will tell us if Greg Mattison has a bunch who can do that. On paper, there’s a lot to like there. We’ll find out if some of these freshmen are as good as we’re hearing.

“Michigan, they’ve got to get back to having guys that are going to play on Sunday on that side of the ball and we just have not seen that in a number of years.”

Herbie weighs in on Michigan...

Go Blue!!

Ohio St.'s actions are not unlike their lower intestine: stinky and loaded with danger.